Is 24" from the reel to the stripper guide too far?

Since you used the term "stripper" guide (stripping), I'll assume you're talking about a fly rod. I normally place my stripping guide 32 inches from the rod butt.

If you are referring to the butt guide on a spinning or casting rod, the distance from the reel to the guide depends on a host of things such as reel size, line type, rod type etc. So you'd need to provide a bit more information to get good help.

And one last thing - there is always one sure way to know if your distance is correct.... go try it.

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I guess I used the wrong terminology. It's a spinning rod. I will be running a 2500 size reel on it. Trying to decide if I should move the guide or just go with it. This was my first build. Learning as I go. Thanks for your input I appreciate it.

Go to the Fuji site and do I right - don't guess.
It's pretty much mathematical.
Herb

Randy,
For spinning rods that are 6 - 7 1/2 foot in length, I normally start with a distance of 19 inches.

If it is not right when testing, I will adjust it.

However, 24 inches is just fine for many rods that are built.

Take care

The size and height of the butt guide will determine how far from the reel you need to be. You may find this helpful - [www.rodbuilding.org]

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This is a process that I use...which is the result of years building and information from other builders.

I build this way because I found that if you follow a guide spacing chart by the “T” it often leaves the butt guide to far (or too close).

First, I start with the butt guide placed between 48 – 56 cm (19-22 inches). I like to use the metric system because it makes measuring guide spacing progression easier.

Then I will measure the distance from the butt guide to the tip and see exactly how much space there is for the rest of the guides. I actually also use a spread sheet to help get to this number.

From the tip I may put the first guide at 10 cm and then progress from there.

Example: I have a rod that is about 203cm (80in) in length. I install the handle and reel seat and mark the first guide (butt) about 50cm from the middle of the reel seat (as a starting point).
From the butt guide to the tip I’m left with 123 cm. I will start placing the guides.
For this rod I went 9,10,11,12,13,14,16,18,20 centimeter). If you were to add up all these guide distances you would come to the magic 123cm mark. If it was a little short or long, I would just adjust the butt guide accordingly. I am also looking at the difference in the distance between these guides. Above would be 1,1,1,1,1,2,2,2...you want it to have an eventual progression.

Believe me...this is not written in stone for me and varies from rod to rod. Like for a fast tip bait casting rod some the guide spacing in the tip section would be the same Like 10,10,11,11,12,13,,,etc,,etc,

I had an article in RodMaker Vol. 5 Issue 5 – “Difference Between the Difference”.
If anyone would like a copy of the spreadsheet I’m using I would be glad to share.

Just for grins...here's an answer from [chatgpt.com]

Spacing guides on a fishing rod is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s a general approach:

Determine Guide Type: Decide on the type and size of guides based on your rod type and fishing style.

Blank Measurement: Start by measuring the rod blank from the tip to the butt.

Guide Placement:

Tip Guide: Position the tip guide around 1-2 inches from the rod tip.
First Guide: Place the first guide (after the tip) approximately 10-12 inches from the tip guide.
Subsequent Guides: Space the remaining guides about 8-12 inches apart, depending on the rod length and action. Use more spacing for longer rods.
Load Testing: Once the guides are placed, do a load test by flexing the rod. Adjust guide spacing if necessary to ensure the line follows a smooth path with minimal friction.

Final Adjustments: Make sure guides are aligned for smooth line flow, and consider the type of line and lure weight you’ll be using.

By following these steps, you’ll optimize your rod for better casting distance and accuracy!

Chris,

Please extrapolate on your spacing ideas.

Are you saying place the first guide AFTER the tip top at 1-2 inches AWAY FROM the tip top?

I'd love to know what rod you are placing your guides on - probably a surf rod? Placing the first guide 10-12 inches from the tip top guide would not work so well on my NFC SJ 725. (I know you are a surf casting maven, and I am a grasshopper.)

I totally agree with your advice to test (two-line static test is what I use) and adjust. Spinning rods can handle a wider guide spacing than casting rods or spiraled casters, IME. The static test tells me what the rod needs/wants.

My freshwater builds work well with a 3.5 to 4 inch spacing from the tip top for the first four to five guides....and I place them with equal spacing. I've found small running guides (4 to 5mm KT's) do not add much weight to the tip group and I don't worry too much about it. I tend to err on the side of "one more" rather than "one less" to protect that first 18-24 inches of my rod's tip under load.

I also space guides from the tip top to the butt guide. I set my butt guide where it needs to be. I set the Choker (Belly Guide in the K-R) where it needs to be. Then, I space the rest of the guides. To me, the most important part of the line management happens between the butt guide and the choker. After the Choker, the line is running straight and smooth down the blank...optimally.

Randy,

Is that 24 inches from the spool top or axle tip at mid-stroke, or from the reel stem? IMO, 24 inches is a bit long if measuring from the spool/axle top to the butt guide....but it may be about right if measuring from the reel stem.
On my 2500 size reels, placing the butt guide around 19 to 21 inches works very well. Test. Tweak. Triumph!

Les Cline Wrote:
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> Chris,
>
> Please extrapolate on your spacing ideas.
>
> Are you saying place the first guide AFTER the tip
> top at 1-2 inches AWAY FROM the tip top?
>

Les....You overlooked the very first part of that post.
"Just for grins...here's an answer from [chatgpt.com]"

That was an answer from chatGPT OpenAi.